ARSENAL v EVERTON Europe, but Gueye still sees Red
IDRISSA GUEYE might be heading for Europe next season but he’s still on a downer. For when arch-enemies Liverpool finish above Everton it’s never a great season for the blue half of town. The 27-year-old Senegal international hasn’t been at Goodison Park long but he’s already tuned in to the fierce local rivalry that underpins Merseyside football. And while the main aim of the campaign for Everton was to secure European action next season, trailing Liverpool in the Premier League has taken the gloss off a job well done for Ronald Koeman and his men. “You always want to be higher than your local rivals,” said Gueye, who moved to Goodison from Aston Villa for £9million last summer. “We know it’s important to everyone – ourselves and the fans. “Overall, it’s not been a bad season and we’ve achieved our first objective which was to qualify for Europe. “But we’re aware there’s a lot of work to be done over the summer and we want to be ready to finish above Liverpool next season.” With Everton at risk of losing contract rebels Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley in the summer, that would be a tall order. But Gueye hasn’t given up hope that the £100million duo will stay and help Everton join next season’s Champions League chase. “There’s no reason to believe at the moment that they’re not going to be with us when we start pre-season,” said the African star. “We’re all about growing this club so it would be great if they do stay. “Certainly on a personal level, I get on well with both of them and we always have a laugh at training.” Although English football’s recognised superpowers dominated the top six again after Leicester’s shock title win a year ago, Gueye reckons Everton can still dream of gatecrashing that elite party. “It’s down to us to believe,” he said. And as Everton look ahead to European nights again, Gueye hopes to emulate Manchester United and reach the Europa League final. “It means a lot for Everton to be in Europe,” he said. “When a club decides to take the Europa League seriously like United have done, it shows what can be done.”